Abstract
We discuss the role of women in the development of predominantly Muslim countries, with
reference to economics from several perspectives: First, we study the interrelations between
certain characteristics of a society and its level of development. There, we proffer the
education of girls as the strongest support for development. Secondly, we elaborate on the
opportunities/choices women gain with education in the future. Thirdly, we explore the
externalities of education to all members of a society by presenting empirical evidence
connecting the economic status of an individual to his/her parents’ education. This establishes
the link between the theory and observation to represent the benefit of women’s education on
social welfare. Finally, we dispel an economic fallacy which underrates the unmeasured
household production. Since women are main generators of such activity; their economic
contribution goes largely unreported.